Current
I think watching fight scenes can help in general terms with writing combat, since it can give you an idea of flow and choreography.
2 yrs ago
At least if you're writing something you know, with knights.
2 yrs ago
I mean, depends on what you're writing, and the tone and theme of what you're writing. Trained armored knights were legitimately monstrous on the battlefield, so looking up how they fought helps.
2 yrs ago
As much as there's a lot of reasons twitter sucks, I genuinely don't want to see it die for the sake of all the artists who now rely on it. Hoping the shithead stops trying to directly administrate.
1
like
2 yrs ago
roleplayerguild.com/posts/5… If anyone's up for fighting some kaiju, why not try out my new RP, Godzilla: YATAGARUSU?
Psychological Profile: Agent Murakami is characterized by a highly proud demeanor. This should come as no surprise given her background, her upbringing having instilled a strong sense of pride(to the point of arrogance in some situations) in her bloodline and her personal capabilities. Additionally, she has a low tolerance for failure and those she deems to be foolish, and a sharp tongue which she will not hesitate to utilize. Some Agents have certainly complained about finding Agent Murakami 'difficult', but at the same time it cannot be denied that she produces excellent results in the field and possesses sound judgement in most scenarios. With that being said, her strong sense of personal pride has its drawbacks, as she will become depressed and self-deprecative when experiencing failure. Her staunch refusal to accept failure is both a benefit and a drawback in this regard. Additionally, while she is usually of sound judgement, at times her proud demeanor will prompt her to endanger herself without specific benefit. While Agents are expected to place themselves in danger and succeed at all costs, doing so unnecessarily can result in the loss of a valuable asset when viewed with even the most callous lens. Agent Murakami also exhibits a strong sense of right and wrong, refusing to abandon civilians if there is a possibility of their rescue. Again, this is primarily to Sefirot's benefit, as in most circumstances the safety of civilians is placed at high priority. Morally difficult situations, however, may give her pause. Agent Murakami is highly fond of sweets and stuffed toys, her quarters presenting a considerably different image of her then one otherwise may expect. Drawing attention to this fact is a source of embarrassment for her. While this is of no consequence to her ability to perform her duty as an Agent, it is an amusing note.
Skills: Agent Murakami is quite knowledgeable in regards to the occult. Her knowledge base is primarily in classic Japanese and Western occultism, unsurprising given her background.
Abilities: Agent Murakami is a magician trained in the traditions of Western European magic. Her bloodline exhibits a strong affinity for fire-based spells, and as such these make up the bulk of her arsenal. These include generating orbs of fire or laying down fire barriers, as well as igniting undefended targets within a range of six meters when given the opportunity to mark and set a target. The maximum intensity of her flame magic is sufficient to melt through reinforced steel. Additionally, she possesses an inherent resistance to spiritual attacks and curses, as is common for magicians even without any training. Possession, too, is liable to fail, or at least struggle. In addition to these passive defenses, she is capable of utilizing defensive magic ranging from flame barriers to shields. Finally, as a last ditch effort, she can ignite the mana in her blood directly and cause her own shed blood to spontaneously combust.
Equipment: Agent Murakami commonly equips herself with some casting implements, but her primary weapon is Ifrit. An enormous two-handed sword, Ifrit is effectively a bladed wand. Not only does it function directly as a weapon, but it can channel Agent Murakami's magical energy. This allows her to coat the blade in flames or project fire from it. Enhanced as such, it is even capable of searing its way through the armor plating of some powered armors. In conjunction with her fire magic, Ifrit can be used to focus flames into an intense beam of heat. However, this is costly on Agent Murakami's mana supply, as well as requiring significant time to deploy during which she is vulnerable to attack.
Background: An Agent belonging to the Murakami family was one of the founding members of Sefirot. Having considered themselves to be an important part of one of the organizations that formed Sefirot, having tied their service to their family identity, it is little surprise that a member of the Murakami family has been a part of Sefirot since the birth of its current state. The Murakami family's origins as a family specializing in Western European Magic began hundreds of years ago, when a Portuguese magician taught Agent Murakami's ancestors magic in order to uphold his own faded line's will. Since then, they have maintained their talents, with Agent Murakami being the latest in an extended line of Murakami Magicians. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong pride in her bloodline and her capabilities, as well as her duty to ensure humanity's continued existence. However, it was her high school's temporary disappearance into a Hema-class Anomaly that developed her current mindset to its fullest. It was here that one of her teachers, in attempting to protect their students, was killed in front of Agent Murakami herself. Due to her already-present training as a magician, Agent Murakami was able to secure the safety of some of her classmates. But the death of her teacher and those classmates she was unable to reach considerably influenced her approach to her duties as an Agent, and it is likely her self-flagellation for failure is influenced by guilt over her their deaths.
@Izurich: Hmm. I'm going to admit I like this less then the initial pitch. For one, I don't think there ended up being a lot of purpose to the backstory. As in, it doesn't set apart from someone who just had some sort of artifact or power, or even a magical girl(which is possible in this setting). Additionally, Archangels would definitely rank higher then Esh, being Hema at minimum and the strongest being in Af. Plus, I'll admit I'd kind of like it if she was taken a little further away from her inspiration, at least using a different name for her abilities and attacks.
Basically, needs some work.
Also, I do want to clarify that Anomalies are not a monolith. They come from all different sources and are all different types, ranging from someone with an incurable curse to a being from another dimension to a magic object that forces someone to act in a certain what when touching it. Just want to make sure that's clear to everyone!
Psychological Profile: Agent Murakami is characterized by a highly proud demeanor. This should come as no surprise given her background, her upbringing having instilled a strong sense of pride(to the point of arrogance in some situations) in her bloodline and her personal capabilities. Additionally, she has a low tolerance for failure and those she deems to be foolish, and a sharp tongue which she will not hesitate to utilize. Some Agents have certainly complained about finding Agent Murakami 'difficult', but at the same time it cannot be denied that she produces excellent results in the field and possesses sound judgement in most scenarios. With that being said, her strong sense of personal pride has its drawbacks, as she will become depressed and self-deprecative when experiencing failure. Her staunch refusal to accept failure is both a benefit and a drawback in this regard. Additionally, while she is usually of sound judgement, at times her proud demeanor will prompt her to endanger herself without specific benefit. While Agents are expected to place themselves in danger and succeed at all costs, doing so unnecessarily can result in the loss of a valuable asset when viewed with even the most callous lens. Agent Murakami also exhibits a strong sense of right and wrong, refusing to abandon civilians if there is a possibility of their rescue. Again, this is primarily to Sefirot's benefit, as in most circumstances the safety of civilians is placed at high priority. Morally difficult situations, however, may give her pause. Agent Murakami is highly fond of sweets and stuffed toys, her quarters presenting a considerably different image of her then one otherwise may expect. Drawing attention to this fact is a source of embarrassment for her. While this is of no consequence to her ability to perform her duty as an Agent, it is an amusing note.
Skills: Agent Murakami is quite knowledgeable in regards to the occult. Her knowledge base is primarily in classic Japanese and Western occultism, unsurprising given her background.
Abilities: Agent Murakami is a magician trained in the traditions of Western European magic. Her bloodline exhibits a strong affinity for fire-based spells, and as such these make up the bulk of her arsenal. These include generating orbs of fire or laying down fire barriers, as well as igniting undefended targets within a range of six meters when given the opportunity to mark and set a target. The maximum intensity of her flame magic is sufficient to melt through reinforced steel. Additionally, she possesses an inherent resistance to spiritual attacks and curses, as is common for magicians even without any training. Possession, too, is liable to fail, or at least struggle. In addition to these passive defenses, she is capable of utilizing defensive magic ranging from flame barriers to shields. Finally, as a last ditch effort, she can ignite the mana in her blood directly and cause her own shed blood to spontaneously combust.
Equipment: Agent Murakami commonly equips herself with some casting implements, but her primary weapon is Ifrit. An enormous two-handed sword, Ifrit is effectively a bladed wand. Not only does it function directly as a weapon, but it can channel Agent Murakami's magical energy. This allows her to coat the blade in flames or project fire from it. Enhanced as such, it is even capable of searing its way through the armor plating of some powered armors. In conjunction with her fire magic, Ifrit can be used to focus flames into an intense beam of heat. However, this is costly on Agent Murakami's mana supply, as well as requiring significant time to deploy during which she is vulnerable to attack.
Background: An Agent belonging to the Murakami family was one of the founding members of Sefirot. Having considered themselves to be an important part of one of the organizations that formed Sefirot, having tied their service to their family identity, it is little surprise that a member of the Murakami family has been a part of Sefirot since the birth of its current state. The Murakami family's origins as a family specializing in Western European Magic began hundreds of years ago, when a Portuguese magician taught Agent Murakami's ancestors magic in order to uphold his own faded line's will. Since then, they have maintained their talents, with Agent Murakami being the latest in an extended line of Murakami Magicians. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong pride in her bloodline and her capabilities, as well as her duty to ensure humanity's continued existence.
In some ways the world has changed. In some ways, it’s stayed the same.
Technology has advanced. New medical treatments and ways of interacting with the virtual world have taken center stage as humanity marches into the future. Alongside these new advancements have come machines designed for combat, powered armors and other weaponry once thought to be the place of fiction.
But this world is not one founded on technology and logic.
There are some things that make such an understanding of the world insufficient.
Creatures from myth and folklore. Artifacts possessed of bizarre properties. Curses. Unnatural horrors of the night. Things that have found there way in from other planes of existence.
For a long time, such mysteries beyond human understanding remained hidden from society’s eye.
However---
It was over forty years ago, now, when the old illusion was shattered. The idea that the world was the realm of science alone was broken in 2010, when it appeared.
Forever remembered as Advent, that was the day when a bright light devastated the Southwest coast of the United States with its mere appearance, before carving a swath across the planet.
The devastation that followed the emergence of the Mashchith-Class Anomaly ‘Star of God’ left no further questions. There was no denying the reality that not only were there threats beyond human understanding in this world, but they could cause destruction of apocalyptic proportions.
The truth was no longer a secret, and the organizations that had worked to keep it so had failed.
Some collapsed. Others disappeared. And still others attempted to restructure.
It was in this period that a power struggle between several of these hidden organizations erupted. Eventually, one emerged victorious, absorbing the others.
Today, that organization is known as Sefirot.
To be the tree that holds up the world, it was crucial to use its power wisely. With so many unnatural things in this world that could pose a threat to humanity, Sefirot’s leadership put forward their new mission statement.
To eliminate the threats that could be destroyed. To monitor and contain those that could not.
Nearly every surviving nation is home to a branch of Sefirot. Within their advanced facilities, using both technological and supernatural means, countless Anomalies are contained. Others are monitored. And those that can be destroyed, that must be destroyed for the good of all humanity, have been.
Since 2010, the nation of Japan has worked hard to obtain a place among the world’s technological giants. But no amount of scientific advancement can secure any country against the Truth.
The Agents of Branch-092 have their work cut out for them. Containment of Anomalies that have already been located, threat assessment and identification of newly-located Anomalies, all of these duties fall under their purview.
But it’s not only Anomalies that threaten humanity.
The Black market. Terrorism. Criminal enterprises. Those who would use the unnatural world for their own gain, too, pose a threat to humanity at large.
And some threats might fester far deeper than even Sefirot’s Agents know.
Sefirot’s Agents are expected to be a cut above. Whether it be through the use of the magic within their bloodline permitting the use of spells for combat, unnatural or advanced weaponry, or an incredibly honed level of skill, it is clear that Sefirot accepts only those who are up for the task as their on-duty Agents.
And that’s who you’re going to be playing.
Volunteering, coercement, or even as a sentencing, somehow you’re one of Branch-092’s Agents, tasked with containing Anomalies and keeping the peace Sefirot strives for. This means you’ll be facing all sorts of strange beings or mystical artifacts, and even other human beings who may seek to use Anomalies for their own gain.
In terms of RP tone and direction, I’m envisioning this as a stylish-but-dark supernatural action RP, with some creepy and dark scenarios and enemies but also a lot of room for interesting characters and fun and exciting combat as well.
Qlippoth Scale: The grading scale of Anomaly Threat Levels. Top-level threats with potentially apocalyptic levels of damage are extremely rarely seen, and graded as Mashchith on the scale outside of normal grading. The most common grades are as follows:
Tohu: The lowest grade on the Qlippoth Scale. Tohu-level Anomalies may be harmless or even beneficial, or are of a low enough threat level that no special actions must be taken for containment. Some Tohu-class Anomalies are even permitted to remain where they are discovered, while others may be taken in for their own safety. Still, Tohu-class Anomalies can sometimes pose a threat, and must be handled accordingly.
Avon: Avon-grade anomalies are typically potentially dangerous in some regard. While containment measures may be simple, or they may be easily eliminated, Avon-grade anomalies are always a potential danger. A capable Agent should be able to handle them regardless.
Esh: A grade for anomalies that pose a considerable threat. Esh-grade anomalies may have high potential for human casualties, and wide-ranging abilities or effects. Containment becomes a more complicated affair for Esh-grade anomalies and up. A middle ground in the Qlippoth scale between its lower and higher grades.
Hema: The second highest normal grade of the Qlippoth scale, Hema-grade Anomalies are often difficult to contain and possess numerous ways of thwarting containment. Their capabilities can cause mass human casualty if they are not dealt with. Extreme caution is advised for all Agents who must engage with a Hema-grade threat.
Af: The highest normal grade on the Qlippoth scale. Af-grade anomalies are extremely dangerous. If Hema-grade Anomalies can be quantified as posing a threat to an entire city, then Af-grade Anomalies can be said to pose a threat to an entire nation. Elimination or Containment of Af-grade Anomalies is absolutely paramount.
AMATERASU: Branch-092’s ‘brain’, the advanced AI that primarily operates in assisting with threat grading and containment measures. She is also constantly monitoring Japan’s leylines, in order to detect any unusual activity as quickly as possible. Due to her part in containment measures for many Anomalies housed in Branch-092, AMATERASU’s operation is vital for the Branch’s operation and the region’s safety.
RedMark: A globally-operating mercenary organization in staunch opposition to Sefirot. RedMark’s businesses is in war, and they will do anything they can to secure Anomalies in order to advance their dealings in violence. They have already obtained multiple Anomalies, including some of their highest-ranking mercenaries.
A-95: Picture of an Old Man
Grade: Avon
Description: Subject is a large portrait-style black-and-white photo dating to the Taisho era, depicting what is typically an elderly man roughly estimated to be from 70 to 75 years of age, sitting still and facing the viewer with a neutral expression. His identity has not been confirmed.
Containment Protocol: Subject is to be contained in a small, ten square meter containment unit, covered and with constant surveillance. In the event the cover is removed without clear reason, personnel with at least b-grade mental reinforcement are required to apply the cover once more. If the picture is viewed, immediate spiritual intervention by one of Sefirot's contracted priests or miko.
Anomalous Qualities: While the old man is the most commonly depicted figure by the Subject, at times it will depict an empty space, a young boy, a young man, or a middle-aged man. In some circumstances, the portrait's pose will change. For example, the figure's head turning or the figure facing away from the viewer. The portrait may also depict a different figure to multiple viewers, or a single viewer may see a different figure as they view the picture from different angles. After viewing the picture, the viewer will find it difficult to remember what the picture's contents were in the first place. Indeed, some may question if there was a picture at all. But they will begin to see the old man, alongside his alternate selves, in their daily life. While it is currently apparent that these manifestations have no physical form an occur only to the viewer, the viewer will likely struggle to determine that these manifestations are not real. AT first remaining in the background, they will appear with increasing frequency and in increasingly private scenarios. The viewer will eventually disappear.
A-111: Last Rest of the Hopeless
Grade: Tohu
Description: Subject is a seemingly ordinary medical bed dating from the 1940s.
Containment Protocol: Subject is to be isolated in an empty room of at least 60 square meters and under surveillance. No unsupervised contact with the Subject is permitted. Any personnel reporting loss of sensation in their limbs are to be removed from the Subject's containment area immediately.
Anomalous Qualities: Upon entering within 30 meters of the Subject, any human is considered within the Subject's influence. Those under the Subject's influence will begin to lose sensation in their limbs, starting with their right leg and gradually reaching their left arm before eventually rendering those effected immobile. The process takes roughly five minutes, but may be faster for those who are already in a state of mental distress. After those afflicted by the Subject's influence have been immobilized, they will begin to lose their ability to see as well. Along with the loss of sight, the afflicted will also experience intense feelings of loss, anger, and despair. These effects will persist up to three hours after the afflicted have been removed from the Subject's area of influence, but do not appear to cause lasting damage.
A-127: Kankandara
Grade: Esh
Description: Subject is a hybrid being, mixing two formerly distinct entities into a single whole. The upper portion of her body is an extremely pale, naked young woman aged roughly 18-20, with extremely long black hair and a seemingly healthy weight and build. Her anatomy is largely in line with the human average, with the major divergences being her sharp teeth, forked tongue, and the presence of two additional sets of arms. From the lower hip down, Subject possesses the body of an enormous green snake. The Subject's total length is roughly ten meters.
Containment Protocol: Subject is contained in a grove specifically designated for her containment. This grove's location is strictly accessible on a need-to-know basis. The Subject is to be placed under constant surveillance via drones, and absolutely no contact is permitted. Containment measures also include the fence and shimenawa maintained by the local miko.
Anomalous Qualities: Subject is large and extremely powerful. Her behavior is highly unpredictable and likely varies based on if she has fed recently. If she has fed recently, she appears to induce a curse on those who enter her grove while stalking her target. This curse causes severe hallucinatory episodes, paranoia, physical illness of increasing severity, and a desire to return to the grove. While dangerous, it can be cleansed by curse-dispelling methods and those with inherent magical capability may resist it. If she has not fed recently, she will stalk her target for some time before attacking and devouring them. Subject can be made somewhat placid via ritual offerings of food, though under no circumstances may she be directly interacted with. When alone, Subject exhibits a wide range of behaviors, from examining herself in pools of water, preying upon local wildlife that enters her grove, observing the world outside of her grove, and even idle use of objects in her environment as a source of entertainment. As a result, the Subject has been presumed to exhibit human-like intelligence.
A-143: The Natural Born Killer
Grade: Hema
Description: Subject is a Japanese Woman who stands at 183 cm in height. She possesses a lanky physique, pale skin, long black hair, and faded yellow eyes. Subject also possesses a distinctive straight scar over her left eye. Subject most commonly keeps her hair tied into a thick ponytail, and prefers to wear traditionally masculine attire.
Containment Protocol: Subject is to be contained in a living space of sufficient size to meet her approval, measuring around 55 square meters. The walls of this space must be at least two meters thick, and the door must be composed of reinforced steel. Subject is permitted to order food, access the internet, have items delivered, and seek any form of entertainment she desires. Hashmallim-level clearance or higher is required to permit free movement by the Subject. Subject support may also be requested by Agents of Malakim-level clearance or higher. Before the end of the week, the Subject must be supplied with an adult human if her services have not been used to before that point. The Subject's preferred victims include serial murderers, drug kingpins, perpetrators of sexual abuse, and other criminals of similar severity. The Subject will also accept victims who are near the end of their life due to terminal illness or physical injury. If the Subject has not been supplied with a victim by the end of the week, see Protocol-028.
Anomalous Qualities: Subject is afflicted with a condition she describes as the 'Curse of Bloodlust'. This manifests with four primary symptoms: The capacity to inflict injuries that cannot be healed, the capacity to kill any entity she recognizes as alive, the desire to kill human victims, and the inability to die. The Subject enjoys killing but does not desire to be a 'random killer', and thus suppresses her bloodlust with the aid of our containment protocols. The first two symptoms manifest exclusively with edged weaponry. The Subject prefers knives and swords, particularly the thin black blade she was initially discovered wielding. Any injuries inflicted by the Subject cannot be healed by normal means, and lethal injuries will unquestionably kill the victim as long as the Subject perceives them to be alive(though some exceptions to this rule exist). While she can be temporarily disabled, the Subject's body will reform even if totally destroyed. Aditionally, the subject's physical capabilities far exceed an ordinary human's. She can crush concrete with her bare hands and move with enough speed to ascend a vertical surface unassisted. If the Subject is not given a human victim each week, she will become unable to control the bloodlust induced by her curse and initiate a rampage until her bloodlust has been sated. The process of satisfying her bloodlust in this state typically requires anywhere from 90 to 150 victims.
Note: Due to the Subject's extensive cooperation, she is currently utilized as a Special Agent who may be deployed by clearance of Hashmallim-level personnel or higher.
A-154: An Ordinary Salaryman
Grade: Esh
Description: Subject is an ordinary Japanese male of roughly 45 to 55 years of age, wearing a gray business suit. These are the only traits that are consistently used to describe him, as he is otherwise identified as "average" or described as "not standing out".
Containment Protocol: Subject is to be contained in a sealed, reinforced 20 square meter room furnished as an office, as this will cause the Subject to become distracted by behaving in accordance to his apparent nature. Constant video surveillance of the Subject is absolutely mandatory. Any personnel who cannot recall why the Subject is in containment must be removed from the Subject's immediate vicinity immediately.
Anomalous Qualities: The Subject is nearly impossible to describe with any specific details. To put it simply, the Subject is so generic there is no way to remember his appearance in full. Anyone in his immediate vicinity will be unable to notice any unusual behavior or actions he may undertake, simply accepting the Subject as an ordinary salaryman going about his business. This renders the Subject's behavior "accepted". At this point, the Subject will select several targets from those nearby and approach. By unhinging his jaw, he is easily capable of swallowing them whole. His targets will not be able to recognize what is happening. Foreknowledge of something unusual occurring and observing the situation from outside is capable of allowing an observer to notice that something is unusual. Additionally, video surveillance is capable of picking up some of the Subject's unusual behaviors. The Subject will insist he is an ordinary man when questioned, and will even undergo office work when given the opportunity, though it is aimless and does not appear to achieve any goal. The Subject does not require food, and it is unknown why he consumes human victims.
A-172: Deathless Soldier
Grade: Esh
Description: Subject is Japanese male with loose, short, messy black hair wearing the uniform of an Imperial Japanese Sergeant from the 1940s with notable damage. He has an athletic physique, but appears distinctly haggard and worn down. Subject does not possess a heartbeat and does not breath. He carries a bolt action rifle and a military sabre.
Containment Protocol: Subject is to remain isolated in a sealed, warded containment unit. No contact with the Subject is permitted without the application of blessings from contracted spiritualists in order to shield personnel against the curse. Additionally, contracted spiritualists are to provide blessings to the containment unit once a month in order to maintain the anti-curse seal.
Anomalous Qualities: Subject is a soldier of the Imperial Japanese Army circa 1943. His existence is in a state of constant flux, simultaneously detected as alive and dead. While he desires to die, expressing extreme guilt for his actions during the war and desiring to atone, he is incapable of death. Due to his state of existence as simultaneously dead and alive, not even A-143 appears to be capable of killing him. Subject produces a curse that projects a field with a radius of roughly 150 meters. All human or human-like targets, including disembodied spirits and some other anomalies, that enter this radius begin to feel the effects of extreme thirst, hunger, and exhaustion. These effects will continuously increase in severity, crippling those afflicted and even beginning to manifest their physical toll. Those afflicted by the curse will become physically dehydrated and visibly starved, and eventually human targets will pass away from the sevre malnourishment and exhaustion. Subject is incapable of controlling the curse.
Note: Subject's desire for atonement makes him extremely willing to comply with any and all containment protocols. It is likely he would also be amenable to the use of his curse against other Anomalies. Research is currently underway in regards to a safe system of deployment in the event his curse may be required.
A-187: Lonesome Princess
Grade: Avon
Description: Subject is a young girl of roughly nine years old and seemingly Western European descent. She possesses pale skin and lengthy white hair, with one red eye and one green eye. She stands at 136 cm. Subject dresses primarily in frilly, expansive dresses similar to the gothic lolita fashion style. She is often seen drawing or speaking to her stuffed toys.
Containment Protocol: Subject requires only light containment. As her physical capabilities are largely similar to that of a young girl's, merely locking her room from the outside will suffice. Subject may not be permitted to wander, but may be supplied with drawing supplies or stuffed toys, or other forms of personal entertainment. Under no circumstances may one accept a gift from the Subject. If offered a gift, leave immediately.
Anomalous Qualities: Subject does not appear to physically age, and possesses blood that does not match any type known to man. Subject does not require food, though she can process it and enjoys the taste of sweets. She professes herself to be very lonely, and appreciates any attention she is given. Inevitably, when the Subject is given attention, she will present her newfound friend with a gift. If accepted, this gift will swiftly become the recipient's prized possession, and they will refuse to part with it. Within twenty minutes, all capacity for rational thought will vanish, and the recipient will be unable to participate in any actions that do not directly relate to their relationship with the Subject. Due to no longer eating or drinking, the recipient will eventually perish, but their body will continue to move as if they were alive in order to continue playing with the Subject. Even when they have been reduced to skeletal remains, they will continue to exhibit this behavior. 'Friends' will also act to defend the Subject, violently, if any attempt is made to separate them.
Note: The Subject does not understand death, and insists that her gifts do not cause any harm. She will not accept any explanation to the contrary. Any attempt to explain the concept of death will be met with confusion, until the Subject gives up her attempts to understand. It is important to remember the result of accepting the Subject's gifts. Though she will become upset when her gifts are rejected, it's for the best.
A-188: Teratoma
Grade: Esh
Description: Subject is an amorphous pseudo-organic entity best visually described as a pulsating mass of red eldritch flesh, capable of extensive shapeshifting and anatomical mimicry. When told to be more 'presentable' without any specific guidance, Subject will mimic A-187's overall build and appearance with some key differences, chiefly being hair color and apparel, they're dark green and a white sundress respectively.
Containment Protocol: Due to imprinting after A-187's personality and demeanor, Subject is quite docile and cooperative to instructions. Indoctrination is the best method to 'contain' it, but should physical containment become necessary, Subject must be contained within a secured bunker, hermetically-sealed without even an inch of opening as Subject is capable of squeezing even through the narrowest of gaps. Meat - preferably raw and fresh - has been shown to effectively pacify the Subject should it's agitated.
Anomalous Qualities: Subject appears to have originated from another plane of existence that can be colloquially described as 'Lovecraftian'. It is a biologically immortal creature capable of consuming any organic material and gaining information to mimic those it has consumed. It has no identifiable internal organs (excluding those it has mimicked) except for a tennis ball-sized 'core' that appears to function as its brain. Any physical damage done to its body is ultimately reversible as long as the core remains functional. Though a living creature of flesh and blood, it doesn't think, feel, or function as we do, but it can adapt. In relation, facility and field observations suggest that psychological phenomenon from Anomalies or otherwise unpredictably affect Subject; it's apparently immune to A-187's gifts and when subjected to Agent Yamamizu's 'Drowning the Sins' curse, Subject enters a blissful dream where it's having an endless feast of marine animals instead of a drowning waking nightmare.
A-201: Sparrow's Baskets
Grade: Tohu
Description: A pair of Heian-era wicker baskets. One is small enough to be carried with one hand, while the other is a meter wide.
Containment Protocol: Subjects are to be placed in a locked room under constant surveillance. No contact is permitted with the smaller Subject without approval from personnel of Seraphim-class or higher. The larger Subject should not be opened at any time.
Anomalous Qualities: Opening the smaller of the two Subjects will grant the opener a view of something shining and golden within. Though it will be impossible to extract, the opener will experience feelings of relief, happiness, and content. Their mental state will recover considerably, and the opener will leave the experience likely feeling refreshed and prepared for the rest of the day. Opening the larger subject, by contrast, will grant the opener a look at something dark that appears to move. While it does not leave the Subject, the opener will become frightened, sick, and confused. In all likelihood they will attempt to run, and it is likely they will remain in this disoriented state for the remainder of the day.
A-218: A Child's Storybook
Grade: Esh
Description: Subject is a vintage children's book depicting a goose with a bonnet on the cover. There is no unusual qualities in its appearance. It is known to contained the fairytales Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, The Four Skillful Brothers, and many others.
Containment Protocol: Subject is to be contained in a sealed, warded one meter steel cube. This cube must be replaced annually, as the Subject's anomalous qualities will cause its wards to degrade. Under no circumstances must the Subject be opened.
Anomalous Qualities: Once opened, the Subject will immediately trap all living humans within a hundred meter radius within a random fairytale within its pages. They will be assigned the role of the fairytale's protagonists, and must finish the fairytale in order to escape the book. Subjects may be placed into one fairytale or split into different fairytales depending on their number and the fairytale in question. There are no fairytales within the Subject's pages that do not feature a potentially lethal threat, and death within the fairytale is the same as death outside of it. Those captured by the subject may have abilities sealed, weapons removed, and their age altered to match that of the story's protagonist, provided it is relevant to the story's premise. Any attempts to escape from the fairytale will be met with failure. While the general story of the fairytale must be adhered to, as long as the basic structure retains it is possible to deviate from the 'script'.
A-231: Nameless Hannya Mask
Grade: Esh
Description: Subject is a red and white hannya mask. It is otherwise lacking in obviously unusual traits. However, those who have observed the mask for a considerable period of time may notice the eyes moving on their own.
Containment Protocol: Subject is to be kept in a sealed fireproof steel container of one meter in diameter. The container must be kept isolated in an empty, sealed room under 24-hour surveillance. If the Subject must be interacted with under any circumstances, three operatives are to be deployed with an additional observer who must remain outside the room at all times. If the mask is worn, the room is to be immediately sealed and the wearer, now referred to as A-231, tranquilized as swiftly as possible and the mask removed. If these measures fail, refer to Protocol-015.
Anomalous Qualities: Any human in the presence of the Subject will experience a subtle, but insistent desire to wear the mask. If a human puts the mask on their face, they will be unable to remove it, and swiftly be taken control of by the spirit inhabiting the mask. The spirit is that of an aggressive, violent female oni. The Subject, now referred to the host as well as the mask, will exhibit extremely enhanced strength, agility, and regenerative properties, and will promptly seek to indulge in whatever desire currently occupying them. This will usually involve satisfying an appetite for violence, sex, or food(including human flesh). If the mask is removed in this period, the host may recover. However, over the following 24-hour period, the Subject's body will transform, changing in height, muscle mass, and all other aspects until they have become a 3 meter tall, muscular, horned, white-haired female oni. At this point, the mask will disappear, and it will no longer be possible to recover the host. The oni cannot be reasoned with, and will engage in whatever acts she desires regardless of the harm they may cause to others. She is highly resistant to small arms fire and mundane forms of damage, even capable of recovering from direct hit by high-yield explosives. Once eliminated, the oni's body will burn away and leave behind the Subject's original state(the hannya mask).
A-235: Vision of an Idyllic Village
Grade: Hema
Description: An intricately detailed watercolour painting of the small rural village of Nanashikawa, formerly situated nearby Sefirot Branch-092's headquarters. The main focus is the village's bustling marketplace, which is captured beautifully upon the canvas, alongside hundreds of its inhabitants going about their daily business. The painting was discovered at the center of a barren valley where Nanashikawa used to stand; what happened to the village is unknown, as none of its former inhabitants have been discovered since it suddenly disappeared off the face of the Earth.
Containment Protocol: Initial attempts to dispose of the painting via such things as fire, paint thinner and feeding it through a shredder met with failure. Currently it is wrapped up and locked inside a safe, although somehow it always seems to disappear and show up somewhere nearby uncovered and in plain view.
Anomalous Qualities: Every day at precisely noon, the people depicted in the marketplace change positions and expressions. Whilst the inhabitants are usually depicted as casually and cheerfully going about their business, on the day of the new moon they are instead all found kneeling on the ground and clutching their heads in despair; the next time the painting changes, they go back to their usual cheerful selves as though nothing had happened. Anyone who spends too long examining the painting has been known to suddenly disappear, and the next time the painting changes there will be a new inhabitant in the marketplace.
A-259: Little Miss Legion
Grade: Esh
Description: A young girl, approximately 8-10 years old appearance-wise, with a golden bobcut and silvery eyes. Notably, she seems to be perfectly vertically symmetrical; this is more noticeable from her face, hair and the black dress she always wears. X-rays have shown that this symmetry isn't just skin-deep, as her internal organs are arranged differently than that of a human. The subject has a haughty and arrogant demeanour and possesses extreme narcissism, believing herself to be the most perfect being to exist. She is very quick to demean others for the crime of not being as perfect as she is, and claims she is only under containment because she chooses to be.
Containment Protocol: Subject is currently held in a custom made cell, with her meals delivered to her through a slot. If she is ever required to be transported elsewhere, personnel are required to wear full body coverings to ensure they never make direct contact with her. The surviving copies are kept in more basic confinements; attempts to rehabilitate them and return their previous mindsets to them have so far been unsuccessful.
Anomalous Qualities: Any human the subject makes physical skin-to-skin contact with is transformed into a duplicate of her. However, said duplicates are always imperfect, usually in some minor and difficult to notice way. Their minds are overridden with the subject's own, although every one of them knows they are a copy and some of them still possess inklings of their original personality due to their imperfections. The vast majority of these copies are almost like a hivemind, and treat the subject as their leader who they follow unquestionably. No copy has ever been observed turning another human into a copy, thus it is assumed this is an ability only possessed by the original. The copies answer to the subject's every whim, usually pampering her or providing her with treats, although they have also been observed dragging humans to her so she can turn them into more copies; due to them all possessing the physical capabilities of prepubescent girls this only works when they swarm a target en masse. It is unknown how many copies the subject can have active at the same time; when she was captured there were several hundred, although this has since been whittled down to around fifty.
A-267: Relentless Watcher
Grade: Avon
Description: Subject is a 5 meter tall, extremely thin, pale, masculine creature with smooth, featureless skin. It is nude, lacking genitalia entirely, and wears a mask depicting a single eye. The mask cannot be removed, even by surgery.
Containment Protocol: Subject is to be contained in an unlit, reinforced steel room. No visual contact with the Subject is permitted without A-class mental reinforcement, including secondary contact such as photography or video. Prior to entering the Subject's containment chamber, all personnel must undergo routine psychological evaluation, and again upon exiting. Subject is advised to be observed by multiple personnel at once to avoid the Subject identifying a single target.
Anomalous Qualities: Upon being sighted by a human target(either directly or through a secondary medium), the Relentless Watcher will induce strong feelings of paranoia and anxiety. The Subject will continually appear to its target, at varying distances, causing these feelings to intensify. The target will eventually be driven to flee, isolating themselves from the contact of others. Upon being fully isolated, the Subject will appear to the target a final time. It is speculated that the Subject consumes the target, but as no remains are left behind it is unknown exactly what fate awaits them. If the Subject is killed, another of its kind will appear in a random location within 50 kilometers of the sight of its death.
A-274: Dance on a Red Stage
Grade: Esh
Description: Subject is currently contained to a single cassette tape. It is not named, but the Subject's creator is listed as "TATSUKI" and the tape is dated to 1978. When played, the song appears to be an 1970s-era dance piece with no audible abnormalities, but it does not appear to have an ending.
Containment Protocol: Subject is to be contained in a sealed reinforced steel box. Subject must not be copied under any circumstances.
Anomalous Qualities: Upon hearing the Subject played, all listeners will become compelled to dance. Their dance will become increasingly energetic and frenzied, but they will be unable to stop. The dance will continue, the listeners unable to stop or even think of stopping. Even as their legs become increasingly damaged, the dance will not cease until the listeners have died. All terrestrial mammalian listeners appear to be subject to this effect. Playing the song with musical instruments does not reproduce the effect, and it is currently unknown if copies of the song would possess the same properties.
A-277: I Don't Forgive You
Grade: Esh
Description: Subject is the skull of a human woman aged between 18-20 years. It is slightly yellowed and missing the lower jaw, but otherwise undamaged.
Containment Protocol: Subject is to be sealed in a 50 cm warded containment unit. Absolutely no unprotected contact with the Subject is permitted, and all contact must be cleared by Hashmallim-level personnel or higher. If any personnel who have been within 20 meters of the Subject begin to report unexplained feelings of guilt, reapply the wards and place them in lockdown until the feelings have abated.
Anomalous Qualities: Upon approaching within a rough perimeter of 20 meters of the Subject, targets will begin to feel intense, unexplained guilt. This feeling will intensify, and those afflicted will begin to experience audiovisual hallucinations of various violent acts from the point of view of the perpetrator. These acts are consistently committed against a young woman believed to be the origin of the Subject. The include stabbing, strangling, drowning, attack with blunt objects, and other physically violent acts. The afflicted will become convinced they perpetrated these acts, and must atone. Atonement commonly takes the form of attempting to provoke others into punishing them by death. By this point, the likelihood of recovery by the afflicted is less then 25%. However, early intervention can prevent this outcome.
A-283: Library of Fog
Grade: Avon
Description: Subject appears as a tall, ornate, carved wooden set of doors. The doorway depicts numerous fantastical creatures that changed based on its current location. Currently, it displays a kirin, a kitsune, several tanuki, and a tengu. Beyond the doors is an extremely vast library, a single room large enough to extend beyond visual range both upwards and downwards. Fog also obstructs visual observation. As it is currently understood, the Subject is infinite.
Containment Protocol: Subject is impossible to contain. A 100-meter perimeter is to be maintained around its entrance, and all attempts at violating this perimeter are to be detained immediately.
Anomalous Qualities: Subject is an enormous, apparently-infinite library filled with fog. The library contains all books that currently exist, existed in the past, and can potentially exist. If a book was possible for even a single instant, it appears within the library. All books that are destroyed immediately reappear in place on their shelf within six hours. In some locations there are no walkways, requiring climbing gear in order to navigate the Subject. After a single hour within the Library, any human will begin to forget how they arrived here and how to return to the entrance, even if they are not lost. The memory loss will become increasingly severe until even the victim's identity is lost, and they cannot escape the library. Additionally, the Subject is inhabited by numerous strange and unique organisms that occur only within its bounds. These include organisms that feed upon the books, or upon unique flora that grows within the Subject, and organisms that hunt and consume them. The danger level of these organisms varies considerably. Finally, the Subject appears in a different location every four months, usually in a different country then its prior location. Currently, it is located within Kagawa Prefecture.
A-291: Flesh Blossom
Grade: Hema
Description: A black and red seed, resembling a sunflower seed.
Containment Protocol: Subject is to be contained in a deep chill refrigerated containment unit, in a room surrounded by reinforced steel. No unprotected contact may be made with the Subject. If the Subject is thawed without research authorization, immediately incinerate the containment unit and the Subject. If the Subject makes direct contact with an unprotected host, incinerate both the Subject and the host.
Anomalous Qualities: Upon physical contact with an unprotected host's skin, the Subject will immediately embed itself in their flesh and swiftly make its way to the base of their spine, swiftly spreading roots throughout the host body. All motor functions will be overtaken by the Subject, and the Subject will immobilize its host completely. From here, the host's body will undergo a dramatic transformation, organs altering, skeleton dissolving or altering its shape, and many human features disappearing. The final result resembles a large rose composed of flesh. The host is by this point entirely braindead and undifferentiated from the seed, and thus will now be referred to as the Subject. The Subject will release pollen with similar properties to its original seed state. Those who inhale it will lose control of their motor functions and begin transforming to resemble ambulatory versions of the Subject. These entities, now referred to as 291-2, will hunt down and consume human victims, processing their remains into nutrients that are fed to the original Subject. The Subject will then begin to produce more seeds.
Note: As far as Sefirot is aware, there is only a single remaining specimen of the Subject in existence. As such, it is retained strictly for research purposes, to determine a potential rapid kill agent that would destroy the Subject and even potentially spare freshly-infected hosts from their fate in case of unknown occurrences of the Subject. This is the only reason the Subject is retained in containment. If the Subject ever breaches containment, destroy it immediately.
A-303: Daughter of Falling Stars
Grade:Tohu Hema
Description: Subject is physically shaped in a similar manner to a slender girl of roughly 12-14 years of age. The Subject stands at 144 cm, but has an unusually light weight. Subject's body is composed of a transparent membrane similar in texture to human skin surrounding a blue, gelatinous internal structure. Subject possesses luminescent blue eyes with no defined iris or pupil, a nose, and mouth. The Subject's face is humanlike in structure as a result. Subject's hair is composed of multiple tendrils, shaped similarly to a straight bob cut with straight bangs. Subject has no visible internal organs, aside from a roughly flower-shaped, luminescent yellow "core" at the center of her body. "Veins" branch out from this core, to her arms, legs, and neck. Subject possesses bioluminescent structures suspended in her jelly-like insides, mostly concentrated in her upper torso. Subject does not possess defined hands or feet, her limbs instead terminating it rounded points. Subject is not accustomed to wearing clothing, but will put on light outfits when asked. Subject is capable of speech, but is not particularly adept at it and often speaks slowly and struggles to understand metaphorical speech or other non-literal statements.
Containment Protocol: Subject is to be contained in a 85 square meter reinforced energy-resistant containment unit outfitted with running water and electricity, and various furnishings. The containment unit must also be fitted with Type ORO Psychic Nullification Barriers. Subject requires explicit clearance from Hashmallim-level personnel or above for direction interaction unless special clearance has already been obtained for research or socialization purposes. It is advised that no personnel remain in direct contact with the Subject without supervision.
Anomalous Qualities: Subject is quite obviously not human, despite the Subject's overall shape and generalized external anatomy. Subject possesses a variety of psychic abilities similar in nature to the espers of Earth. These include telekinesis, permitting her to move objects easily within a very short range of herself in spite of lacking hands. The projection of images into the minds of others and the capacity to read thoughts on a large scale is also a part of the Subject's natural capabilities. Due to the sensitivity of her psychic abilities, she is especially susceptible to psychic pressure that can cause periods of lost consciousness. Subject regenerates most harm done to her body, though she is frightened of damage to her core and still experiences pain when injured. Subject is capable of producing focused beams of light from her body, primarily from the tips of her arms but also from points in the air around her. This is primarily in response to fear or general distress. If the Subject is rendered unconscious due to high psychic pressure or damage to her core, her body will unconsciously respond with a wave of thousands of destructive beams of light. This defensive process is entirely automatic, and will continue until she reawakens.
Note: Subject was originally graded Tohu, but after a full understanding of the Subject's capabilities and natural defenses was reached her containment protocol was revised and her grade was raised to reflect her threat level. The Subject does not seek to harm others intentionally, and is distressed by the idea of death. While the Subject is typically entirely passive, it is crucial to prevent any breach, as it could lead to a mass casualty event.
A-413: The Weeping God
Grade: Esh
Description: Subject appears to be a entity that resembles a large, monstrous eel of indeterminate length from what has been gathered with the brief appearances of it. Numerous skeletal hands and arms covered in mystical talismans have grown out of its sides which seem to be its main form of locomotion. Where its head normally would have been, is instead a gaping hole that weeps tainted, black water.
Containment Protocol: Subject is currently contained within its host, Agent Yamamizu Numako. This was done by integrating a specialized device to suppress supernatural entities into Yamamizu's body directly. Research into containment should it not have a host has been minimal, as separating Yamamizu and the Weeping God has been determined to very likely cause her undue harm if not outright terminate the host at the current time.
Anomalous Qualities: Subject appears to have once been a local spirit or god that lived in a mountain lake. However, after the lake was polluted by dumping several bodies of dead murder victims, primarily which were once priests that looked after the shrine it was found in, it negatively seems to have affected the spirit. It constantly weeps black water like liquid from its body. Anything living being this liquid touches will result in its body and mind rotting and becoming weaker until the point of death. This liquid, in large quantities, can pollute entire water supplies.
Notes: There are many questions regarding the Weeping Gods properties and qualities as studying it directly would prove dangerous and harmful to Yamamizu. What has been determined in the time that it took to contain Yamamizu herself, however, is that the Weeping God primarily functions in two states. A 'Passive' and 'Active' state. In its passive state, it seems to be dormant, using its black liquid to passively pollute any body of water it finds itself sleeping in. It will stay in this state until it senses a suitable host nearby where it will switch to an active state where it haunts the host and proceeds to forcibly possess its body. Its goal, beyond being extremely aggressive to humans, is unknown. Further research, so long as it does not harm Yamamizu has been authorized and agreed upon at regular intervals. Yamamizu has agreed to live on-site for this reason and further monitoring.
U-433: Perfect and Elegant Maid
Grade: Avon
Description: Subject appears to be a young woman, although her appearance is known to change to conform to the desires of her current 'master', including slight variation from human norms. Subject's most recent appearance has feline characteristics and unusually pale hair.
Containment-Thwarting Measures: Upon separation from her designated 'master' of a period between six hours and twelve minutes and twelve hours fifteen minutes, Subject will spontaneously emerge from either a nearby doorway or, if no doorway is available, from behind an obstacle capable of hiding her person. If the 'master' is kept in a featureless area, Subject will either appear behind them or, ultimately, as soon as they blink. Observation of onlookers does not appear to make a difference. Attempts to sedate or otherwise incapacitate Subject will become progressively less effective over the same timespan, until she inevitably regains full functioning and consciousness. Both dismemberment and death have proved completely ineffective except at hastening this process, with no containment being effective other than containing whatever human has been designated as her 'master' until she decides to free them instead.
Mitigation Protocols: Subject is happy to enter negotiations and consider suggestions when searching for a new 'master'. Suitable candidates that will not grow to resent Subject's presence are to be screened and kept on file in case her current 'master' dies. While partnered with someone suitable, Subject is to be considered mostly harmless.
Anomalous Qualities: Aside from the Subject's apparent transformative and regenerative properties, subject displays mild magical abilities related to the rapid cleaning and maintenance of domestic environments using basic tools. Upon deciding that a human is her 'master', with or without agreement, subject will take measures to maintain both their place of residence and work at all times, using nothing more apparently magical than teleporting when not observed by her 'master'. Subject will also perform bodyguard duties if her 'master' is known to enter dangerous situations, but will not consider action beyond immediate protection of her 'master' and extraction. Upon the death of her old 'master', Subject will take up to a week to select a new one.
Notes: Subject does not appear to require sustenance or rest, yet will act human as long as her 'master' desires it and even accept a wage. Despite repeated efforts, Subject cannot be persuaded to use tools more complicated than an electric stove for her duties.